Lie ahead/in store
verb phrase
Something that is going to happen in the future.
Hard times lie ahead if we do not start saving money now.
Often appears as...
- difficulties lie ahead
- opportunities lie ahead
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be waiting to happen or be experienced, especially something unpleasant or difficult.
Little did we know what surprises lay in store for us.
Often appears as...
- surprises lay in store
- danger lay in store
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To be reserved or awaiting one.
There is a package lying in store for you at the post office.
Often appears as...
- package lying in store
- gift lying in store
verb phrase
Something that is going to happen in the future.
Hard times lie ahead if we do not start saving money now.
Often appears as...
- difficulties lie ahead
- opportunities lie ahead
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be waiting to happen or be experienced, especially something unpleasant or difficult.
Little did we know what surprises lay in store for us.
Often appears as...
- surprises lay in store
- danger lay in store
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To be reserved or awaiting one.
There is a package lying in store for you at the post office.
Often appears as...
- package lying in store
- gift lying in store
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Future Events
Use 'lie ahead' to talk about future events, without specifying when they will happen.
Many adventures lie ahead for us on this journey.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Tone
The phrase 'lie ahead' is neutral and can refer to positive, negative, or neutral future events.
New experiences lie ahead in college.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Specific
Avoid using 'lie ahead' for definite, scheduled events. It's for uncertain or general future occurrences.
Opportunities lie ahead after graduation, but nothing specific is planned yet.
Pro Tip 1/3Future Events
Use 'lie ahead' to talk about future events, without specifying when they will happen.
Many adventures lie ahead for us on this journey.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Tone
The phrase 'lie ahead' is neutral and can refer to positive, negative, or neutral future events.
New experiences lie ahead in college.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Specific
Avoid using 'lie ahead' for definite, scheduled events. It's for uncertain or general future occurrences.
Opportunities lie ahead after graduation, but nothing specific is planned yet.
Pro Tip 1/3Future Events
Use 'lie ahead' to talk about future events, without specifying when they will happen.
Many adventures lie ahead for us on this journey.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Tone
The phrase 'lie ahead' is neutral and can refer to positive, negative, or neutral future events.
New experiences lie ahead in college.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Specific
Avoid using 'lie ahead' for definite, scheduled events. It's for uncertain or general future occurrences.
Opportunities lie ahead after graduation, but nothing specific is planned yet.
Never forget "Lie ahead/in store"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension